SYRACUSE, N.Y. — NYS Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball announced today that the New York State Fair’s recent addition to its cultural villages, the Asian Village, will become a permanent part of the Fair’s many exhibitions starting next year.
This decision comes as the Asian Village gains popularity. Now in its fourth year, the Asian Village has incrementally added days when it is available compared to years prior.
This year, the Asian Village will be fully set up for the first six of the thirteen days. It features cultural song, dance, and food from local businesses like The Vietnamese Noodle House.
The Asian Village is one of now four cultural villages the NYS Fair offers. Along with the Native American, African, and Latin Villages, Richard Ball said, “I see these villages being such an important part of exposing New Yorkers to what our culture in New York is all about.”
Present at the announcement alongside Ball were the Fair’s director, Julie LaFave, and former Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta. Everyone in attendance had the opportunity for a first look at the permanent banner that will hang over the Asian Village for the 2027 fair.
As the only AAPI member of the Onondaga County board, Dr. Gupta was asked to speak at the announcement. In her speech, she highlighted her experiences going to the NYS Fair in years past and the importance of the representation that each of the cultural villages brings. Gupta said, “It may seem a little temporary; Asian Village events might end on the 13th day or even shorter here, but our hospitality is permanent.”
The Asian Village currently represents roughly half of the Asian countries in the world, with its goal to have representation for all 48 by next year. Representation will also go beyond song and dance; art and other important cultural signifiers will also be featured.